Follow Us on Google
From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
World Health Organization (WHO) has solicited increased political will from African and world leaders to strengthen the fight polio virus.
This was contained in a statement by the WHO Regional Director, Africa, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, on World Polio Day 2024.
She said the journey is marked by the determination of countless individuals across the continent, governments, healthcare workers, and communities that have brough the continent closer than ever to the dream of an Africa-free of all forms of polio, a virus that can cause paralysis and death in a matter of days.
She said: “This year, our region has reached significant milestones, including the notable success of Madagascar, which has now gone a full year without detecting circulating variant poliovirus type 1 (cVDPV1).
“In Southern Africa, we marked the closure of the imported wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) outbreak that was declared in 2022. The swift and coordinated efforts of Malawi, Mozambique, and neighboring countries Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe also inspire optimism.
“These achievements highlight the strength of joint action, the resilience of our communities, and the unwavering dedication of frontline health workers. Data equally bear out these results. When comparing them from 2023 and 2024 (as of 31 August for each year), cVDPV1 detections have decreased by 96 percent, while cVDPV2 detections have dropped by 65 per cent in the African Region.
“It is important to recognize that countries in the Lake Chad Basin and Sahel have also united to tackle a new and pressing challenge: the continued transmission of circulating variant polio type 2 (cVDPV2).
“Despite substantial efforts, the virus persists in these regions, fueled by factors like insecurity, limited access to healthcare, and high levels of population movement.
“In 2024 alone, 134 polio type 2 detections (both in the environment and in affected people, as of September 5th) have been reported, jointly, in Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Mali, Niger and Nigeria.”
She challenged the entire continent to remain vigilant through robust surveillance systems, respond rapidly with high quality vaccination campaigns, improve routine immunization coverage, and ensure that the polio program’s infrastructure continues to benefit other public health priorities. “Progress is real, but setbacks can occur when we lose vigilance.”
She called on all governments, partners, and communities to recommit to this cause. “Let us honor the sacrifices and dedication of the health workers, community leaders, and families who make this progress possible.
“Our success is not just for Africa, but for the world. “With sustained momentum, strong leadership, and global solidarity, a polio-free future is within our reach. Together, we can attain a polio-free world,” she said.
